Local project not paying its workers in Braamfischerville
Workers said they were not paid on time and short paid on numerous times.
A scuffle broke out as Braamfischerville residents employed in the project to install fibre downed tools amid a salary dispute.
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Workers closed the entrance of the site barring any activity from taking place. They claim that they were not paid on time and short paid on numerous times.
The workers claim this has been an ongoing issue and have no proof because they were not made to sign any contracts.
Thokozani Maseko said he was frustrated as they were yet to engage with Tshidi, their contractor. He said there was no communication from the leadership.
“Every time we have to get paid, it’s an issue, story after story.
“This is not the first time. We have expenses and we enter a new week without pay.
“We know she already received the money so what is the delay?
“We don’t trust them. They even took people from our community to Limpopo and now they are not paying them. Other kids are stranded that side.”
Some of the workers alleged that they have not been paid in two fortnights as per the initial agreement. 120 locals were employed for 200 per day on a 3 month contract that commenced in July.
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Another local hired on the project, Kamogelo Mothiba, said “They are exploiting us because they know we are in need of jobs and hungry.
“The money owed to us could be more if you consider the Saturday which were not paid,” he said.
“The most frustrating part is that the working conditions are not conductive. We don’t have first aid, or safety gear.
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“If you get hurt, you are on your own. Our colleague got hurt on the job and today no one is assisting him.”
The employees also alleged that they were hired without signing contracts amongst other concerning issues they raised.
Project facilitator for Britelink, Lebohang Malika said they would be paying all employees citing that the delay was due to an internal issue.
“The contactor got money late and because of that people who were meant to get paid on Friday ended up not getting paid. We made immediate payments and we expect everyone to be paid. We will also make those back payments and everyone will be sorted.”
He denied claims about any previous issues with payments and that the matter was a “misunderstanding.”
“There have been people who have been trying to rip us off. We can say there are people who think they can rob us, claiming to have worked a certain number of days when it isn’t the case. We have a list and will make sure everyone who is supposed to be paid get their money.”
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Ward 44 Cllr, Oupa Tefu was caught in the cross fire as a group of angry employees said he was nowhere to be seen the previous day.
They further blamed him and demanded their money as they alleged he was one of the people who introduced the project to the community.
Tefu said he was not responsible for any payments and was merely at the site to try to intervene as a leader.
“This issue is not a new one. We engaged with the contractor and said there was a hiccup and payments will be done. Some have already received payments in our presentence.
“However, we are waiting to see how it pans out, and should there be a need to remove her, then we will have people who are serious about the interests of the community because this project was meant to work for our people.”
The Cllr lambasted the burning of tyre citing the site was not their property but that of the Moses Kotane Primary school.
Numerous attempts to reach the contractor were unsuccessfully.
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